EP1438641B1 - Packet box electronic device and logistic system - Google Patents

Packet box electronic device and logistic system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1438641B1
EP1438641B1 EP02781121A EP02781121A EP1438641B1 EP 1438641 B1 EP1438641 B1 EP 1438641B1 EP 02781121 A EP02781121 A EP 02781121A EP 02781121 A EP02781121 A EP 02781121A EP 1438641 B1 EP1438641 B1 EP 1438641B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
parcel
electronic
user
control unit
electronic parcel
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP02781121A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1438641A2 (en
Inventor
Boris Mayer
Christian Borger
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Deutsche Post AG
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Deutsche Post AG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
    • G05B19/0421—Multiprocessor system
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electronic parcel compartment system.
  • Electronic parcel compartment systems are known, for example, from German Offenlegungsschrift DE 100 00 830 A1, which discloses a method for depositing goods in at least one locker.
  • the parcel compartment system used for the method has a plurality of parcel compartments, which are opened and closed by means of an electronic locking system.
  • an operating unit in the form of a terminal for reading or outputting data is assigned.
  • the locking system and the operating units are connected to a computer that controls the parcel compartment system.
  • the published patent application further discloses a network of computers of several locker systems to a computer network, which has a central administration computer.
  • the administration computer for example, belongs to a delivery service which monitors all goods movements in the lockers.
  • the invention has for its object to provide an electronic parcel compartment system that allows flexible delivery and collection of packages from parcel compartments.
  • the electronic parcel compartment system is designed so that it contains a plurality of electronic parcel compartments, wherein in each case a plurality of electronic parcel compartments an operating unit is assigned, and a central control unit is provided for controlling the operating units, wherein the central control unit includes means for a variable assignment of the parcel compartments to the operating units.
  • the invention provides that the electronic parcel compartment system consists of several individual delivery devices, wherein the delivery devices are equipped with one or more operating units. Several or all operating units are controlled by the central control unit.
  • the operating units prefferably contain a control means for controlling the opening and / or closing of the fan-compartments associated with the operating units.
  • the individual electronic parcel compartment systems are interconnected to form clusters.
  • the central control unit contains a means for allocating the parcel compartments to the operating units.
  • the embodiment in which the assignment between the parcel compartments and the operating units is carried out by the central control unit has the advantage that this makes it easy to adapt the electronic parcel compartment system to changed operating parameters.
  • a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides for designing the electronic parcel compartment system such that the central control unit has an interface for receiving information from a database server with occupancy information.
  • Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are characterized in that both an internal communication between the central control unit and the operator units and an external communication between the central control unit and one or more database servers are provided.
  • Such an integration of the data communication is carried out in an expedient embodiment of the invention in that the central control unit has an interface for transmitting information to a equipped with allocation information database server.
  • a further increase in the flexibility and versatility of the electronic parcel deposit box system can be achieved in that the central control unit contains a computer that can store and process operating data and / or occupancy states of the parcel compartments.
  • ⁇ is in no way limiting. It can be any unit suitable for performing calculations, for example a workstation, a personal computer, a microcomputer or a circuit suitable for performing calculations and / or comparisons.
  • the central control unit Furthermore, it is expedient to equip the central control unit with further interfaces for checking and / or changing operating states. As a result, the electronic parcel compartment system is particularly easy to maintain.
  • Another object of the invention is a logistics system, which is characterized in that it contains several interconnected electronic parcel compartment systems.
  • Such a logistics system forms a particularly preferred solution of the object according to the invention of enabling flexible delivery and collection of parcels from parcel compartments.
  • the embodiment shown below shows an integration of the electronic parcel compartment system in a comprehensive logistics system.
  • the electronic parcel compartment systems can be operated without networking. In these embodiments, too, the integration of the. Central control unit for controlling the control units to make the use of the electronic parcel compartment system more flexible.
  • the system is modular.
  • a standardized interface is defined, which regulates the communication between machines, respectively ControlCenter and the Post 24-Server.
  • machines respectively ControlCenter and the Post 24-Server.
  • the modular design of the respective parcel compartment systems is particularly well suited to increasing the flexibility and versatility of both the individual electronic parcel compartment systems and the overall logistics system.
  • the electronic parcel compartment systems used in the logistics system are constructed so that they implement the functions and operating contents of the overall logistics system particularly effective and efficient.
  • the electronic parcel compartment systems can be realized by a variety of different technical solutions.
  • One of the two systems is characterized by the fact that the parcel compartments are each individually closable with a door.
  • Another, equally preferred embodiment of the embodiment of the parcel compartment system is characterized by a paternoster system with special transport mechanisms for individual compartments for filing and removal of the individual packages.
  • the automaton allows loading and retrieval of packets, or contents, across different size packet compartments.
  • a particularly preferred feature of the vending machine system is that packet trays are only temporarily assigned to particular recipients, namely, only if they contain something for them.
  • the potential recipients should be familiar with the automated system and, on the other, the consignments should be recipient-related and centrally managed.
  • a parcel identity code and a recipient identification code are detected.
  • the associated access code is requested for the post-24 server (central system).
  • the picker identifies with his personal recipient identification code, for example using a magnetic card and the secret, personal access code. If this information matches that stored in the machine, the content of a box is released to the recipient.
  • the amount will be displayed in advance and the collector can transfer this amount via a payment terminal (EC card, money card, etc.).
  • a payment terminal EC card, money card, etc.
  • Packages (or goods) returned by recipients are recorded by the vending machine and reported to the Post 24 server, which arranges collection by appropriately responsible logistics personnel.
  • the central control unit which is also referred to as a control station, has the properties shown below.
  • the individual machines are networked via the central control unit, which clusters and summarizes the communication ("concentrator"). Service and maintenance tasks are monitored via the central control unit.
  • the central control unit detects whether machines or components of the machine (operating unit, printer, individual boxes) are ready for operation and which operating events take place at individual machines.
  • the Post 24 server is a data server that is networked with the machines or the control center via Internet-based web technology.
  • the Post 24 server forms an interface to other database applications. These database applications, for example, enable integration of billing and shipment tracking functions.
  • the machine is preferably used only by recipients who have previously registered with Deutsche Post for this service and whose data is stored on the Post 24 server.
  • the recipients so registered receive a recipient identification information to use as part of their addressing and a personal, secret access code.
  • the recipient is automatically notified by the Post 24 server.
  • the notification is preferably electronically, for example by sending an SMS or sending an email.
  • a letter it is also possible for a letter to be automatically printed and sent to the recipient.
  • the recipient can then pick up the package at the machine at will. If this is not done within a certain time, a reminder will be sent, and once the delivery period expires, the package will be sent to the sender for return.
  • the onneabholsystem is suitable for various applications. On the one hand, normal packages can be delivered in the end customer area with this automatic system, on the other hand, however, also special requirements in the business customer area are met.
  • the automatic system thus represents a decentralized depot for these customers whose inventory and movement is controlled centrally and can be billed accordingly.
  • the system includes various components and interfaces that effectively and flexibly implement a logistics system with previously unavailable delivery and service.
  • the modular structure of the system allows an independent, incremental development of the various services.
  • the secondary components are in part complex subsystems, which are composed of classes, EJBs and Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs).
  • EJBs classes
  • GUIs Graphical User Interfaces
  • each component provides a binding interface to its services in the form of a façade object or EJB.
  • the interfaces, the various components are described below:
  • the machine interface is the communication platform with the machines.
  • the interface accepts requests from the machines and forwards them to the responsible components. If the machine expects data in response to its request, these are returned by the components to the interface and then forwarded to the machines.
  • Fig. 1 shows the structure of the components.
  • An XML parser takes over the mapping of the XML files sent by the machine via http post into function calls of the class Machine Interface that can be interpreted by the logistics system, evaluates the function calls and forwards them to the responsible components User, Parcel, DeliveryMachine and Notification.
  • the components user registration, B2B partner management and package tracking are preferably encapsulated in a CallCenter facade.
  • the façade handles the communication with the EJBs for user and packet data management, that is; User and Parcel.
  • the component provides web-based GUIs for registration and packet tracking. These are coded in JSP. Actions of the users are translated into function calls by means of a worker bean and passed on to the call center façade. Preferably, only this takes over the execution of the business logic.
  • the graph below gives a rough overview of these relationships.
  • the Internal Service Services component encapsulates the internal service services provided by the logistics system in the delivery bases.
  • a JSP which realizes the GUI.
  • Actions of the office staff are translated into function calls by means of a worker bean and passed on to the indoor service façade.
  • the indoor service façade thus forms the interface to the actual functional logic of the component.
  • the indoor service façade is also the communication interface to the other components of the system.
  • the component requires access to the basic components User and DeliveryMachine.
  • a notification component Another component that can be easily installed because of the modular structure of the logistics system and the logistics system and the components used in it, in particular the parcel compartment systems expediently expands, is a notification component.
  • the notification component realizes the sending of messages to the users of the logistics system.
  • the component preferably has two tasks. It maps the notification rules of the logistics partners and handles the technical sending of the messages to the customer's devices.
  • the interface to the other components of the system is realized by a façade class NotificationFassade.
  • This class provides a set of methods that are used to inform the component of events that may trigger a notification to a user.
  • events are triggered by the interface component as a result of movement at the machine and the registration component.
  • the component requires access to address data of the message recipients. All managed in this particularly preferred embodiment of the logistics system
  • Message recipients should therefore provide the Notifyable interface.
  • Notifyable interface these are, for example, the EJBs LogisticPartnerMandant, User and LogisticPartner.
  • the organization of user and package data can be done in many ways.
  • a user and package management in the form of an object-oriented model (object model) which can be implemented particularly suitably in the modular system is presented.
  • the central object of the object model for user administration is the EntityBean UserEJB.
  • EntityBean UserEJB The central object of the object model for user administration.
  • all data are stored to persons who are allowed to operate the machine. Both end customers as well as deliverers and service personnel are classified as users.
  • a complex object model (person as base class, derived classes for the different roles of the person) has been omitted.
  • LogisticPartners are, for example, the mail order company that operates the logistics system or other companies that are provided with access to components of the logistics system, including an occupancy of parcel compartments.
  • LogisticPartner clients are the customers of a logistics partner, for example Weg as a Danzas customer.
  • the object contains a reference to a LogisticPartner (ROLE_B2B_DELIVERY_AGENT) or to a LogisticPartnerMandant (ROLE_B2B_RECIPIENT).
  • the other reference remains empty (both references must never be set at the same time, since a person is either a deliverer or a pickup, never both).
  • the object UserGroupEJB (also an entity bean) allows the grouping of several users.
  • the UserGroup has a reference to the LogisticPartner resp. the LogisticPartner client to which all members of the group belong.
  • the redundant storage of the reference both in the user and in the UserGroup simplifies access to information in the LogisticPartner (client).
  • the interface has the methods getUsers (), getID (), and getExpiryMinutes (). This ensures that packets sent to an addressable can be processed by the server.
  • the getUsers () method returns a list of user EJBs. If it is a UserGroup, this list contains several EJBs, if it is a user, only one EJB is included.
  • the getID () method returns the ID of the user or UserGroup. Since the addressable has to be stored persistently, this ID can be used to find the underlying object. This results in the request to take the ids for User and UserGroup from a number range. To do this, in the Post 24ServerProperties object, there is the method newUserID (). This returns a unique, continuous ID. Internally, this method accesses a database application, especially an Oracle sequence.
  • the method getExpiryMinutes () in the addressable is needed to determine the expiry date of the package.
  • the permitted dwell time of a parcel in the machine is client-dependent.
  • the getExpiryMinutes () method accesses the method in both User and UserGroup objects LogisticPartnerMandant.getExpiryMinutes () and adds this allowed dwell time at the current time.
  • User and UserGroup are created by the registration, respectively the administration tool.
  • the ParcelID is assigned by the machine and communicated via the interface to the server at the notifyDelivery ().
  • the machine facade creates a new parcel object with the ParcelID as the primary key.
  • the recipient (submitted in the form of a customer number) becomes deposited as an addressable.
  • there is the attribute substitute also of the type Addressable. It can not be set at the notifyDelivery (), but at a later time by calling the method substituteBy (Addressable addressable). This attribute represents the substitute rule.
  • the Parcel object provides the methods getRecipients () and getSubstitutes (), which each return a list of user objects.
  • the ExpiryDate is calculated using the method mentioned above and communicated to the Parcel object.
  • the create method contains the expiryDate.
  • Each LogisticPartner can have different calculation rules for the ExpiryDate.
  • COD parcels For COD parcels, a COD object is transferred, parcels and COD parcels are generated by a create method without COD. For packages, the identCode of the package is transferred in the create method.
  • Parcel object is informed to which LogisticPartner it belongs. This information is necessary for capacity planning.
  • the historization is done on the database side by a trigger, which transfers the old data record to an archive table before changing a data record.
  • the getHistory () method returns a list of the status of all archive entries.
  • vending machine configuration and the capacity management are preferably also as modular components in the logistics system integrated.
  • the machines of the Post 24 system provide a fixed number of compartments of different sizes for storage.
  • the subjects are used by different logistics companies. Since the distribution of slots to logistics companies should be known for both package handling and costing, machine configurations are managed in an EJB DeliveryMachine.
  • the EJB allows the setting and requesting of the compartment configuration of each machine as well as the calculation of the current and future capacity utilization with packages.
  • the current subject configuration that is, the number of subjects rented by a logistics partner, sorted by subject size, is represented by two EJBs, BoxTypeAssignment and BoxType.
  • the DeliveryMachine allocates a lot of BoxTypeAssignment EJBs to each logistics partner, one for each leased size.
  • Each BoxTypeAssignment stores type and number of hired subjects.
  • the compartment size is stored in a separate EJB named BoxType.
  • a logging is in particular for Verification of functionality expedient.
  • the logging classes provided by the application server are used. These are encapsulated for better usability.
  • the class de.Post 24.util.P24Log provides a static logging method: public static void log (int severity, java.lang.String system, java.lang.String msg, java.lang.Throwable t) Where: severity Severity of the error.
  • Simpler "stripped-down" versions of this method are also possible, preferably by replacing certain parameters with predefined values, for example: severity P24Log.debug system Post 24 t deleted

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Abstract

A device and system include a plurality of electronic boxes for packets, several electronic boxes being assigned to a control unit and a central control unit for monitoring the control units.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine elektronische Paketfachanlage.The invention relates to an electronic parcel compartment system.

Elektronische Paketfachanlagen sind beispielsweise aus der Deutschen Offenlegungsschrift DE 100 00 830 A1 bekannt, welche ein Verfahren zum Deponieren von Gütern in mindestens einem Schließfach offenbart. Die für das Verfahren eingesetzte Paketfachanlage weist mehrere Paketfächer auf, die mittels eines elektronischen Schließsystems geöffnet und geschlossen werden. Jeweils mehreren Paketfächern ist eine Bedieneinheit in Form eines Terminals zum Einlesen oder Ausgeben von Daten zugeordnet. Das Schließsystem und die Bedieneinheiten stehen in Verbindung mit einem Computer, welcher die Paketfachanlage steuert.Electronic parcel compartment systems are known, for example, from German Offenlegungsschrift DE 100 00 830 A1, which discloses a method for depositing goods in at least one locker. The parcel compartment system used for the method has a plurality of parcel compartments, which are opened and closed by means of an electronic locking system. In each case a plurality of packet compartments an operating unit in the form of a terminal for reading or outputting data is assigned. The locking system and the operating units are connected to a computer that controls the parcel compartment system.

Die Offenlegungsschrift offenbart ferner eine.Vernetzung der Computer mehrerer Schließfachanlagen zu einem Rechnerverbund, der einen zentralen Verwaltungsrechner aufweist. Der Verwaltungsrechner gehört beispielsweise zu einem Zustelldienst, der alle Warenbewegungen in den Schließfächern überwacht.The published patent application further discloses a network of computers of several locker systems to a computer network, which has a central administration computer. The administration computer, for example, belongs to a delivery service which monitors all goods movements in the lockers.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine elektronische Paketfachanlage zu schaffen, die eine flexible Zustellung und Abholung von Paketen aus Paketfächern ermöglicht.The invention has for its object to provide an electronic parcel compartment system that allows flexible delivery and collection of packages from parcel compartments.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, dass die elektronische Paketfachanlage so ausgestaltet wird, dass sie eine Vielzahl von elektronischen Paketfächern enthält, wobei jeweils mehreren elektronischen Paketfächern eine Bedienungseinheit zugeordnet ist, und eine Zentralsteuereinheit zur Steuerung der Bedienungseinheiten vorgesehen ist, wobei die Zentralsteuereinheit ein Mittel zu einer veränderbaren Zuordnung der Paketfächer zu den Bedienungseinheiten enthält.According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the electronic parcel compartment system is designed so that it contains a plurality of electronic parcel compartments, wherein in each case a plurality of electronic parcel compartments an operating unit is assigned, and a central control unit is provided for controlling the operating units, wherein the central control unit includes means for a variable assignment of the parcel compartments to the operating units.

Die Erfindung sieht vor, dass die elektronische Paketfachanlage aus mehreren einzelnen Zustellvorrichtungen besteht, wobei die Zustellvorrichtungen mit einer oder mehreren Bedienungseinheiten ausgestattet sind. Mehrere oder alle Bedienungseinheiten werden durch die Zentralsteuereinheit gesteuert.The invention provides that the electronic parcel compartment system consists of several individual delivery devices, wherein the delivery devices are equipped with one or more operating units. Several or all operating units are controlled by the central control unit.

Es ist zweckmäßig, dass die Bedienungseinheiten ein Steuerungsmittel zur Steuerung des Öffnens und/oder des Schließens von den Bedienungseinheiten zugeordneten Paketfächern enthalten.It is expedient for the operating units to contain a control means for controlling the opening and / or closing of the fan-compartments associated with the operating units.

Die einzelnen elektronischen Paketfachanlagen sind miteinander zu Clustern verbunden.The individual electronic parcel compartment systems are interconnected to form clusters.

Das Vorsehen einer Zentralsteuereinheit erhöht die Funktionalität und den Leistungsumfang der elektronischen Paketfachanlage erheblich.The provision of a central control unit increases the functionality and the performance of the electronic parcel compartment system considerably.

Insbesondere ist es zweckmäßig, dass die Zentralsteuereinheit ein Mittel zur Zuordnung der Paketfächer zu den Bedienungseinheiten enthält.In particular, it is expedient that the central control unit contains a means for allocating the parcel compartments to the operating units.

Die Ausführungsform, bei der die Zuordnung zwischen den Paketfächern und den Bedienungseinheiten durch die Zentralsteuereinheit erfolgt, hat den Vorteil, dass hierdurch die elektronische Paketfachanlage leicht an veränderte Betriebsparameter anpassbar ist.The embodiment in which the assignment between the parcel compartments and the operating units is carried out by the central control unit, has the advantage that this makes it easy to adapt the electronic parcel compartment system to changed operating parameters.

Insbesondere ist es vorteilhaft, dass die Zuordnung der Paketfächer zu den Bedienungseinheiten veränderbar ist.In particular, it is advantageous that the assignment of the packet compartments to the operating units is variable.

Hierdurch ist es beispielsweise möglich, dass bei dem Ausfall einer Bedienungseinheit bisher dieser Bedienungseinheit zugeordnete Paketfächer einer anderen Bedienungseinheit zugeordnet werden können.This makes it possible, for example, that in the case of failure of an operating unit previously associated with this operating unit parcel compartments can be assigned to another operating unit.

Eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht vor, die elektronische Paketfachanlage so auszugestalten, dass die Zentralsteuereinheit eine Schnittstelle zum Empfangen von Informationen von einem Datenbank-Server mit Belegungsinformationen aufweist.A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides for designing the electronic parcel compartment system such that the central control unit has an interface for receiving information from a database server with occupancy information.

Hierdurch ist es möglich, die elektronische Paketfachanlage flexibel an Betriebssituationen und Benutzerverhalten anzupassen.This makes it possible to flexibly adapt the electronic parcel compartment system to operating situations and user behavior.

Beispielsweise können bei dem Ausfall einer Bedienungseinheit die bisher dieser Bedienungseinheit zugeordneten Paket fächer einer oder mehreren anderen Bedi-enungseinheiten zugeordnet werden. Auch dies verstärkt die flexible Anpassung an Bedürfnisse oder Verhaltensweisen der Benutzer der Paketfachanlage.For example, in the case of failure of an operating unit, the previously assigned to this operating unit package compartments one or more other Enti tion units are assigned. This also reinforces the flexible adaptation to needs or behaviors of the users of the parcel compartment system.

Besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung zeichnen sich dadurch aus, dass sowohl eine interne Kommunikation zwischen der Zentralsteuereinheit und den Bedienereinheiten als auch eine externe Kommunikation zwischen der Zentralsteuereinheit und einem oder mehreren Datenbank-Servern vorgesehen sind.Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are characterized in that both an internal communication between the central control unit and the operator units and an external communication between the central control unit and one or more database servers are provided.

Eine derartige Integration der Datenkommunikation erfolgt in einer zweckmäßigen Ausführung der Erfindung dadurch, dass die Zentralsteuereinheit eine Schnittstelle zum Senden von Informationen an einen mit Belegungsinformationen ausgestatteten Datenbank-Server aufweist.Such an integration of the data communication is carried out in an expedient embodiment of the invention in that the central control unit has an interface for transmitting information to a equipped with allocation information database server.

Eine weitere Erhöhung der Flexibilität und Vielseitigkeit der elektronischen Paketfachanlage lässt sich dadurch erzielen, dass die Zentralsteuereinheit einen Computer enthält, der Betriebsdaten und/oder Belegungszustände der Paketfächer speichern und verarbeiten kann.A further increase in the flexibility and versatility of the electronic parcel deposit box system can be achieved in that the central control unit contains a computer that can store and process operating data and / or occupancy states of the parcel compartments.

Der Begriff "Computer" ist in keiner Weise einschränkend zu verstehen. Es kann sich hierbei um eine beliebige, zur Durchführung von Berechnungen geeignete Einheit handeln, beispielsweise eine Workstation, einen Personalcomputer, einen Microcomputer oder eine zur Durchführung von Berechnungen und/oder Vergleichen geeignete Schaltung.The term "computer" is in no way limiting. It can be any unit suitable for performing calculations, for example a workstation, a personal computer, a microcomputer or a circuit suitable for performing calculations and / or comparisons.

Ferner ist es zweckmäßig, die Zentralsteuereinheit mit weiteren Schnittstellen zur Überprüfung und/oder Veränderung von Betriebszuständen auszustatten. Hierdurch wird die elektronische Paketfachanlage besonders wartungsfreundlich.Furthermore, it is expedient to equip the central control unit with further interfaces for checking and / or changing operating states. As a result, the electronic parcel compartment system is particularly easy to maintain.

Ein weiterer Gegenstand der Erfindung ist ein Logistiksystem, das sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass es mehrere miteinander vernetzte elektronische Paketfachanlagen enthält.Another object of the invention is a logistics system, which is characterized in that it contains several interconnected electronic parcel compartment systems.

Ein derartiges Logistiksystem bildet eine besonders bevorzugte Lösung der erfindungsgemäßen Aufgabe, eine flexible Zustellung und Abholung von Paketen aus Paketfächern zu ermöglichen.Such a logistics system forms a particularly preferred solution of the object according to the invention of enabling flexible delivery and collection of parcels from parcel compartments.

Durch die Vernetzung mehrerer elektronischer Paketfachanlagen ist es insbesondere möglich, Postsendungen besonders flexibel zuzustellen.By networking a plurality of electronic parcel compartment systems, it is possible, in particular, to deliver mailpieces in a particularly flexible manner.

So ist es beispielsweise für den Fall, dass alle Paketfächer einer elektronischen Paketfachanlage belegt sind, möglich, weitere Postsendungen zu einer anderen elektronischen Paketfachanlage zu transportieren und dort für eine Abholung bereitzustellen.Thus, for example, in the event that all of the parcel compartments of an electronic parcel compartment system are occupied, it is possible to transport further mail items to another electronic parcel compartment system and to provide them there for pickup.

Durch die Integration eines vorzugsweise zentral betriebenen Datenbank-Servers ist es möglich, ein Zustellen von Paketsendungen an die elektronischen Paketfachanlagen in Abhängigkeit von dem Belegungszustand der elektronischen Paketfachanlage und/oder der in ihnen enthaltenen Paketfächer durchzuführen.By integrating a preferably centrally operated database server, it is possible to carry out a delivery of parcels to the electronic parcel compartment systems depending on the occupancy state of the electronic parcel compartment system and / or the parcel compartments contained in them.

Weitere Vorteile, Besonderheiten und zweckmäßige Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus denFurther advantages, special features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the

Unteransprüchen und der nachfolgenden Darstellung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnungen.Subclaims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings.

Von den Zeichnungen zeigt

Fig. 1
einen Aufbau einer als Kommunikationsplattform mit der elektronischen Paketfachanlage geeigneten Automatenschnittstelle;
Fig. 2
eine Prinzipdarstellung von eingesetzten Komponenten zur Benutzerregistrierung, Benutzerbetreuung und zur Sendungsverfolgung;
Fig. 3
eine Prinzipdarstellung von Funktionsaufrufen für die Implementation von Innendienst-Funktionen;
Fig. 4
eine Prinzipdarstellung von zur Benutzerbenachrichtigung eingesetzten Schnittstellen;
Fig. 5
eine Detaildarstellung von für die Belegung und Verwaltung der Paketfächer eingesetzten Schnittstellen;
Fig. 6
eine Detaildarstellung von für die Automatenkonfiguration und die Kapazitätsauslastung eingesetzten Schnittstellen und
Fig. 7
Verfahrensschritte zur Berichtigung von Fehlern.
From the drawings shows
Fig. 1
a structure of a suitable as a communication platform with the electronic parcel compartment system machine interface;
Fig. 2
a schematic representation of components used for user registration, user care and shipment tracking;
Fig. 3
a schematic representation of function calls for the implementation of indoor service functions;
Fig. 4
a schematic representation of interfaces used for user notification;
Fig. 5
a detailed representation of interfaces used for the occupancy and management of the packet compartments;
Fig. 6
a detailed presentation of interfaces used for the machine configuration and the capacity utilization and
Fig. 7
Procedural steps to correct errors.

Das nachfolgend dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel zeigt eine Integration der elektronischen Paketfachanlage in ein umfassendes Logistiksystem.The embodiment shown below shows an integration of the electronic parcel compartment system in a comprehensive logistics system.

Eine derartige Integration der elektronischen Paketfachanlage in ein Gesamtsystem ist besonders zweckmäßig, da hierbei die durch den erfindungsgemäßen Aufbau der elektronischen Paketfachanlagen bewirkte Flexibilität ihres Einsatzes besonders wirksam genutzt werden kann.Such integration of the electronic parcel compartment system into an overall system is particularly expedient, since in this case the flexibility of its use brought about by the construction of the electronic parcel compartment systems according to the invention can be used particularly effectively.

Obwohl ein derartiger Einsatz der elektronischen Paketfachanlagen in dem logistischen Gesamtsystem besonders bevorzugt ist, können grundsätzlich die elektronischen Paketfachanlagen ohne eine Vernetzung betrieben werden. Auch in diesen Ausführungsformen bewirkt die Integration der. Zentralsteuereinheit zur Steuerung der Bedienungseinheiten eine Flexibilisierung der Benutzung der elektronischen Paketfachanlage.Although such use of the electronic parcel compartment systems in the overall logistic system is particularly preferred, in principle the electronic parcel compartment systems can be operated without networking. In these embodiments, too, the integration of the. Central control unit for controlling the control units to make the use of the electronic parcel compartment system more flexible.

Durch die Vernetzung mehrerer Paketfachanlagen miteinander und/oder mit dem vorzugsweise zentral eingesetzten Datenbank-Server werden die Einsatzmöglichkeiten der Erfindung jedoch noch weiter erhöht.However, the networking of several parcel compartment systems with each other and / or with the preferably centrally used database server, the application possibilities of the invention are further increased.

Bei Integration mehrerer dieser vorteilhaften Komponenten ergibt sich ein Gesamtsystem, das folgende Bestandteile aufweist und dessen Bestandteile wegen der Möglichkeit, einen automatisierten Rund-um-die-Uhr-Betrieb zu realisieren, nachfolgend auch mit der Bezeichnung Post 24 bezeichnet werden:

  1. 1. Eine Vielzahl von Paketausgabe-Automaten, die vorzugsweise jeweils wenigstens eine Bedienungseinheit aufweisen.
  2. 2. Eine Zentralsteuereinheit, mit der die einzelnen Automaten in Clustern vernetzt sind und die die Betriebszustände und -funktionen der Automaten überwacht. Die Zentralsteuereinheit dient als "Konzentrator" für die Pakettransaktionen, die er an den Post 24-Server weiterleitet. Zudem verteilt sie die Betriebsanweisungen des Post 24-Servers auf die Paketautomaten.
  3. 3. Der Post 24-Server, der die Kunden- und Paketdaten verwaltet und die Vorgänge am Automaten registriert und steuert und die zentralen Programm-Anwendungen bedient (Registrierung, CallCenter, Track&Trace u.a).
When integrating several of these advantageous components, an overall system results, which has the following components and whose components are also designated with the designation post 24 because of the possibility of implementing an automated, round-the-clock operation.
  1. 1. A plurality of packet dispensing machines, which preferably each have at least one operating unit.
  2. 2. A central control unit, with which the individual machines are networked in clusters and which monitors the operating states and functions of the machines. The central control unit serves as a "concentrator" for the parcel transactions, which it forwards to the Post 24 server. It also distributes the operating instructions of the Post 24 server to the parcel machines.
  3. 3. The post 24 server, which manages the customer and parcel data and registers and controls the processes at the machine and services the central program applications (registration, call center, track & trace etc.).

Das System ist modular aufgebaut. Es ist eine standardisierte Schnittstelle definiert, die die Kommunikation zwischen Automaten, beziehungsweise ControlCenter und dem Post 24-Server regelt. Somit können Automaten von verschiedenen Herstellern einbezogen werden.The system is modular. A standardized interface is defined, which regulates the communication between machines, respectively ControlCenter and the Post 24-Server. Thus vending machines from different manufacturers can be included.

Der modulare Aufbau der jeweiligen Paketfachanlagen eignet sich besonders gut zur Erhöhung der Flexibilität und Vielseitigkeit sowohl der einzelnen elektronischen Paketfachanlagen als auch des logistischen Gesamtsystems.The modular design of the respective parcel compartment systems is particularly well suited to increasing the flexibility and versatility of both the individual electronic parcel compartment systems and the overall logistics system.

Vorzugsweise sind die in dem Logistik-System eingesetzten elektronischen Paketfachanlagen so aufgebaut, dass sie die Funktionen und Betriebsinhalte des logistischen Gesamtsystems besonders wirksam und effizient umsetzen.Preferably, the electronic parcel compartment systems used in the logistics system are constructed so that they implement the functions and operating contents of the overall logistics system particularly effective and efficient.

Grundsätzlich lassen sich die elektronischen Paketfachanlagen durch eine Vielzahl verschiedener technischer Lösungsmöglichkeiten realisieren.Basically, the electronic parcel compartment systems can be realized by a variety of different technical solutions.

Die nachfolgend dargestellten Ausführungsformen elektronischer Paketfachanlagen eigenen sich jedoch wegen ihrer Zuverlässigkeit und Benutzerfreundlichkeit besonders.However, the embodiments of electronic parcel compartment systems shown below are particularly suitable for their reliability and user-friendliness.

Eines der beiden Systeme zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Paketfächer jeweils einzeln mit einer Tür verschließbar sind. Eine andere, gleichfalls bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Ausgestaltung der Paketfachanlage zeichnet sich durch ein Paternostersystem mit speziellen Transportmechanismen für einzelne Fächer zur Ablage und Entnahme der einzelnen Pakete aus.One of the two systems is characterized by the fact that the parcel compartments are each individually closable with a door. Another, equally preferred embodiment of the embodiment of the parcel compartment system is characterized by a paternoster system with special transport mechanisms for individual compartments for filing and removal of the individual packages.

Bei den dargestellten Ausführungsformen ermöglicht der Automat ein Beladen und das Abholen von Paketen, beziehungsweise Inhalten, über verschieden große Paketfächer. Ein besonders bevorzugtes Merkmal des Automatensystems ist, dass Paketfächer nur temporär bestimmten Empfängern zugewiesen werden, nämlich nur dann, wenn sie etwas für ihn enthalten. Dazu sollten zum einen die potenziellen Empfänger dem Automatensystem bekannt sein und zum anderen die Sendungen empfängerbezogen und zentral verwaltet werden.In the illustrated embodiments, the automaton allows loading and retrieval of packets, or contents, across different size packet compartments. A particularly preferred feature of the vending machine system is that packet trays are only temporarily assigned to particular recipients, namely, only if they contain something for them. For this purpose, on the one hand, the potential recipients should be familiar with the automated system and, on the other, the consignments should be recipient-related and centrally managed.

Beim Beladen wird ein Paket-Identcode und ein Empfängeridentifikationscode erfasst. Anhand des Empfängeridentifikationscodes wird beim Post 24-Server (Zentralsystem) der zugehörige Zugangs-Code abgefragt. Bei der Abholung identifiziert sich der Abholer mit seinem persönlichen Empfängeridentifikationscode, beispielsweise unter Verwendung einer Magnetkarte und dem geheimen, persönlichen Zugangscode. Wenn diese Informationen mit der im Automaten gespeicherten übereinstimmen, wird der Inhalt einer Box dem Empfänger freigegeben.During loading, a parcel identity code and a recipient identification code are detected. On the basis of the recipient identification code, the associated access code is requested for the post-24 server (central system). Upon pickup, the picker identifies with his personal recipient identification code, for example using a magnetic card and the secret, personal access code. If this information matches that stored in the machine, the content of a box is released to the recipient.

Handelt es sich um ein Nachnahmepaket oder ist bei der Ausgabe des Paketes das Inkasso eines Betrages fällig, so wird der Betrag vorher angezeigt und der Abholer kann über ein Zahlungs-Terminal (EG-Karte, Geld-Karte, u.a.) diesen Betrag überweisen.If it is a cash on delivery package or if the collection of an amount is due when the package is issued, the amount will be displayed in advance and the collector can transfer this amount via a payment terminal (EC card, money card, etc.).

Pakete (oder Waren), die von Empfängern wieder zurückgegeben werden, werden durch den Automaten erfasst und an den Post 24-Server gemeldet, der die Abholung durch entsprechend zuständige Logistikmitarbeiter veranlasst.Packages (or goods) returned by recipients are recorded by the vending machine and reported to the Post 24 server, which arranges collection by appropriately responsible logistics personnel.

Zweckmäßigerweise weist die Zentralsteuereinheit, die auch als Leitstand bezeichnet wird, die nachfolgend dargestellten Eigenschaften auf.Expediently, the central control unit, which is also referred to as a control station, has the properties shown below.

Die einzelnen Automaten sind über die Zentralsteuereinheit vernetzt, die die Kommunikation clustert und zusammenfasst ("Konzentrator"). Die Überwachung von Service und Wartungsaufgaben erfolgt über die Zentralsteuereinheit. Die Zentralsteuereinheit erkennt, ob Automaten oder Bestandteile des Automaten (Bedieneinheit, Drucker, einzelne Boxen) betriebsbereit sind und welche Betriebsereignisse an einzelnen Automaten stattfinden.The individual machines are networked via the central control unit, which clusters and summarizes the communication ("concentrator"). Service and maintenance tasks are monitored via the central control unit. The central control unit detects whether machines or components of the machine (operating unit, printer, individual boxes) are ready for operation and which operating events take place at individual machines.

Der Post 24-Server ist ein Daten-Server, der mit den Automaten, beziehungsweise dem Leitstand, über internetbasierte Web-Technologie vernetzt ist. Der Post 24-Server bildet eine Schnittstelle zu weiteren Datenbankapplikationen. Diese Datenbankapplikationen ermöglichen beispielsweise eine Integration von Abrechnungs- und Sendungsverfolgungsfunktionen.The Post 24 server is a data server that is networked with the machines or the control center via Internet-based web technology. The Post 24 server forms an interface to other database applications. These database applications, for example, enable integration of billing and shipment tracking functions.

Der Automat wird vorzugsweise nur von Empfängern benutzt, die sich vorher bei der Deutschen Post für diesen Service angemeldet haben und deren Daten auf dem Post 24-Server gespeichert sind. Die so registrierten Empfänger erhalten eine Empfängeridentifikationsangabe, die sie als Teil ihrer Adressierung verwenden sollen und einen persönlichen, geheimen Zugangscode.The machine is preferably used only by recipients who have previously registered with Deutsche Post for this service and whose data is stored on the Post 24 server. The recipients so registered receive a recipient identification information to use as part of their addressing and a personal, secret access code.

Kommt es zu einer Einlieferung in den Automaten, wird der Empfänger vom Post 24-Server automatisch benachrichtigt. Die Benachrichtigung erfolgt vorzugsweise elektronisch, beispielsweise durch den Versand einer SMS oder die Absendung einer email. Es ist jedoch gleichfalls möglich, dass automatisch ein Brief gedruckt und an den Empfänger geschickt wird. Der Empfänger kann dann nach Belieben das Paket am Automaten abholen. Wenn dies nicht innerhalb einer bestimmten Zeit erfolgt, wird eine Erinnerung gesendet und sobald die Zustellfrist abläuft, das Paket zur Rücksendung an den Absender gesetzt.If it arrives at the machine, the recipient is automatically notified by the Post 24 server. The notification is preferably electronically, for example by sending an SMS or sending an email. However, it is also possible for a letter to be automatically printed and sent to the recipient. The recipient can then pick up the package at the machine at will. If this is not done within a certain time, a reminder will be sent, and once the delivery period expires, the package will be sent to the sender for return.

Das Paketabholsystem ist für verschiedene Einsatzbereiche geeignet. Zum einen können im Endkundenbereich normale Pakete mit diesem Automatensystem zugestellt werden, zum anderen aber auch besonderen Anforderungen im Geschäftskundenbereich entsprochen werden.The Paketabholsystem is suitable for various applications. On the one hand, normal packages can be delivered in the end customer area with this automatic system, on the other hand, however, also special requirements in the business customer area are met.

So ist ein fester oder variabler Anteil an Automatenfächern für Geschäftspartner und Kunden des das System einsetzenden Logistikunternehmens vermietbar und kann von diesen entsprechend genutzt werden. Das Automatensystem stellt damit für diese Kunden ein dezentrales Depot dar, dessen Warenbestand und -bewegung zentral gesteuert wird und entsprechend abgerechnet werden kann.For example, a fixed or variable proportion of vending machines for business partners and customers of the logistics company using the system can be leased and used accordingly. The automatic system thus represents a decentralized depot for these customers whose inventory and movement is controlled centrally and can be billed accordingly.

Es handelt sich insbesondere um ein System aus zentralen und dezentralen Komponenten, um ein intelligentes, bedarfsgerechtes Bestell- und Auslieferungssystem zu realisieren.In particular, it is a system of centralized and decentralized components to realize an intelligent, needs-based ordering and delivery system.

Das System beinhaltet verschiedene Komponenten und Schnittstellen, die wirksam und flexibel ein Logistiksystem mit bisher nicht erzielbaren Zustell- und Serviceleistungen realisieren.The system includes various components and interfaces that effectively and flexibly implement a logistics system with previously unavailable delivery and service.

Beispiele von Funktionen, die in das System integriert werden, sind:

  • Paketdatenverwaltung
  • Benutzerdatenverwaltung
  • Registrierung von Kunden
  • B2B-Partnermanagement
  • Tracking von Paketen
  • Verwaltung der Automatenkonfiguration
  • Kapazitätsplanung
  • Benachrichtigung
  • Statistische Datenauswertung
  • Automatenschnittstelle
  • Innendienstservice
Examples of functions that are integrated into the system are:
  • Packet data management
  • User data management
  • Registration of customers
  • B2B Partner Management
  • Tracking packages
  • Management of the machine configuration
  • capacity planning
  • notification
  • Statistical data analysis
  • Machine interface
  • OFFICE SALES Service

Es ist zweckmäßig, zwischen Basiskomponenten zur Verwaltung und dem Zugriff auf die Paket- und Benutzerdaten sowie sekundären Komponenten, welche die Businessprozesse 4 in das System abbilden, zu unterscheiden.It is useful to distinguish between basic components for managing and accessing the package and user data as well as secondary components mapping the business processes 4 into the system.

Die modulare Struktur des Systems erlaubt eine unabhängige, inkrementelle Entwicklung der verschiedenen Services.The modular structure of the system allows an independent, incremental development of the various services.

Da eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems und seiner gleichfalls erfindungsgemäßen Komponenten auf einer Implementation der EJB-Technologie basiert, werden die Basiskomponenten auf Paket- und Benutzer-EJBs (Enterprise Java Beans) abgebildet. Alle anderen Komponenten kommunizieren mit diesen EJBs, wenn sie Paket- und Kundendaten erfragen oder verändern müssen.Since a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention and its likewise components according to the invention is based on an implementation of the EJB technology, the basic components are mapped to package and user EJBs (Enterprise Java Beans). All other components communicate with these EJBs when they need to request or modify package and customer data.

Die sekundären Komponenten sind zum Teil komplexe Teilsysteme, die aus Klassen, EJBs und graphischen Benutzerschnittstellen (Graphical User Interfaces - GUIs) aufgebaut sind. Um eine vom Komponentendesign unabhängige Kommunikation der Komponenten zu ermöglichen, stellt jede Komponente eine verbindliche Schnittstelle zu seinen Services in Form eines Fassadenobjektes- oder EJB zur Verfügung. Die Schnittstellen, der verschiedenen Komponenten werden im Folgenden beschrieben:The secondary components are in part complex subsystems, which are composed of classes, EJBs and Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). In order to enable component communication independent component communication, each component provides a binding interface to its services in the form of a façade object or EJB. The interfaces, the various components are described below:

Automatenschnittstelle:Machine interface:

Die Automatenschnittstelle ist die Kommunikationsplattform mit den Automaten. Die Schnittstelle nimmt Anfragen der Automaten entgegen und leitet sie an die verantwortlichen Komponenten weiter. Falls der Automat Daten als Antwort auf seine Anfrage erwartet, werden diese von den Komponenten an die Schnittstelle zurückgegeben und anschließend an die Automaten weitergeleitet.The machine interface is the communication platform with the machines. The interface accepts requests from the machines and forwards them to the responsible components. If the machine expects data in response to its request, these are returned by the components to the interface and then forwarded to the machines.

Fig. 1 zeigt den Aufbau der Komponenten. Ein XML-Parser übernimmt die Abbildung der vom Automaten per http post gesendeten XML-Dateien in von dem Logistiksystem interpretierbare Funktionsaufrufe der Klasse Maschinen-Interface, wertet die Funktionsaufrufe aus und leitet sie an die verantwortlichen Komponenten User, Parcel, DeliveryMachine und Notification weiter.Fig. 1 shows the structure of the components. An XML parser takes over the mapping of the XML files sent by the machine via http post into function calls of the class Machine Interface that can be interpreted by the logistics system, evaluates the function calls and forwards them to the responsible components User, Parcel, DeliveryMachine and Notification.

Die Komponenten Benutzerregistrierung, B2B Partnermanagement und Pakettracking werden vorzugsweise in einer CallCenter-Fassade gekapselt. Die Fassade übernimmt die Kommunikation mit den EJBs zur User- und Paketdatenverwaltung, das heißt; User und Parcel. Die Komponente stellt web-basierte GUIs zur Registrierung und Pakettracking zur Verfügung. Diese werden in JSP codiert. Aktionen der Nutzer werden mittels einer Worker Bean in Funktionsaufrufe übersetzt und an die CallCenter-Fassade weitergereicht. Vorzugsweise übernimmt erst diese die Ausführung der Business-Logik. Untenstehende Graphik gibt eine grobe Übersicht über diese Zusammenhänge.The components user registration, B2B partner management and package tracking are preferably encapsulated in a CallCenter facade. The façade handles the communication with the EJBs for user and packet data management, that is; User and Parcel. The component provides web-based GUIs for registration and packet tracking. These are coded in JSP. Actions of the users are translated into function calls by means of a worker bean and passed on to the call center façade. Preferably, only this takes over the execution of the business logic. The graph below gives a rough overview of these relationships.

Die Komponente Innendienst Services kapselt die vom Logistiksystem bereitgestellten Dienste für den Innendienst in den Zustellbasen. An der Schnittstelle zu den Mitarbeitern des Innendienstes steht ein JSP, das das GUI realisiert. Aktionen der Innendienstmitarbeiter werden mittels einer Worker Bean in Funktionsaufrufe übersetzt und an die Indoor Service-Fassade weitergereicht. Die Indoor Service-Fassade bildet damit die Schnittstelle zu der eigentlichen Funktionslogik der Komponente.The Internal Service Services component encapsulates the internal service services provided by the logistics system in the delivery bases. At the interface to the employees of the internal office stands a JSP, which realizes the GUI. Actions of the office staff are translated into function calls by means of a worker bean and passed on to the indoor service façade. The indoor service façade thus forms the interface to the actual functional logic of the component.

Die Indoor Service-Fassade stellt darüber hinaus die Kommunikationsschnittstelle zu den anderen Komponenten des Systems dar.The indoor service façade is also the communication interface to the other components of the system.

Zur Abbildung der geforderten Funktionslogik benötigt die Komponente Zugriff auf die Basiskomponenten User und DeliveryMachine.To represent the required function logic, the component requires access to the basic components User and DeliveryMachine.

Der Aufbau der Komponente ist in untenstehender Abbildung dargestellt;The structure of the component is shown in the figure below;

Eine weitere Komponente, die wegen des modularen Aufbaus des Logistiksystems problemlos eingebaut werden kann und das Logistiksystem und die in ihm eingesetzten Bestandteile, insbesondere die Paketfachanlagen zweckmäßig fortbildet, ist eine Benachrichtigungskomponente.Another component that can be easily installed because of the modular structure of the logistics system and the logistics system and the components used in it, in particular the parcel compartment systems expediently expands, is a notification component.

Die Benachrichtigungskomponente realisiert das Versenden von Nachrichten an die Nutzer des Logistiksystems. Die Komponente hat vorzugsweise zwei Aufgaben. Sie bildet die Benachrichtigungsregelung der Logistikpartner ab und übernimmt das technische Versenden der Nachrichten an die Geräte der Kunden.The notification component realizes the sending of messages to the users of the logistics system. The component preferably has two tasks. It maps the notification rules of the logistics partners and handles the technical sending of the messages to the customer's devices.

Die Schnittstelle zu den anderen Komponenten des Systems wird durch eine Fassadenklasse NotificationFassade realisiert. Diese Klasse stellt eine Menge von Methoden bereit, die dazu dienen, die Komponente über Ereignisse zu informieren, die eine Benachrichtigung an einen Nutzer auslösen können. Derzeit werden solche Ereignisse von der Schnittstellenkomponente als Ergebnis einer Bewegung am Automaten und der Registrierungskomponente ausgelöst. Um Ziel und Inhalt der Nachricht konfigurieren zu können, benötigt die Komponente Zugriff auf Adressdaten der Nachrichtenempfänger. Alle in dieser besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Logistiksystems verwaltetenThe interface to the other components of the system is realized by a façade class NotificationFassade. This class provides a set of methods that are used to inform the component of events that may trigger a notification to a user. Currently, such events are triggered by the interface component as a result of movement at the machine and the registration component. To configure the destination and content of the message, the component requires access to address data of the message recipients. All managed in this particularly preferred embodiment of the logistics system

Nachrichtenempfänger sollten daher die Schnittstelle Notifyable bereitstellen. Dies sind beispielsweise die EJBs LogisticPartnerMandant, User und LogisticPartner.Message recipients should therefore provide the Notifyable interface. These are, for example, the EJBs LogisticPartnerMandant, User and LogisticPartner.

Die Organisation der Benutzer- und Paketdaten kann auf vielfältige Weise erfolgen. Nachfolgend wird ein in das modulare System besonders zweckmäßig implementierbares Benutzer- und Paketmanagement in Form eines objektorientierten Modells (Objektmodells) dargestellt.The organization of user and package data can be done in many ways. In the following, a user and package management in the form of an object-oriented model (object model) which can be implemented particularly suitably in the modular system is presented.

Das zentrale Objekt des Objektmodells für die Benutzerverwaltung ist das EntityBean UserEJB. In diesem Objekt werden alle Daten zu Personen gespeichert, die den Automaten bedienen dürfen. Es sind sowohl Endkunden wie auch Zusteller und Servicepersonal als User klassifiziert. Auf ein komplexes Objektmodell (Person als Basisklasse, abgeleitete Klassen für die verschiedenen Rollen der Person) wurde verzichtet.The central object of the object model for user administration is the EntityBean UserEJB. In this object, all data are stored to persons who are allowed to operate the machine. Both end customers as well as deliverers and service personnel are classified as users. A complex object model (person as base class, derived classes for the different roles of the person) has been omitted.

Daraus ergibt sich die bevorzugte Ausführungsform, die Rolle des Users als Attribut in das Objekt zu legen. Die Rolle ist als int definiert. In der Const Klasse sind sprechende Variablennamen definiert, beispielsweise:

Figure imgb0001
This results in the preferred embodiment of placing the role of the user as an attribute in the object. The role is defined as int. In the const class speaking variable names are defined, for example:
Figure imgb0001

Des Weiteren sollte das User Objekt einen Verweis auf den zugeordneten LogisticPartner resp. LogisticPartnerMandant haben. LogisticPartner sind beispielsweise das Postversandunternehmen, welches das Logistiksystem betreibt, beziehungsweise weitere Unternehmen, denen ein Zugriff auf Bestandteile des Logistiksystems einschließlich einer Belegung von Paketfächern ermöglicht wird. LogisticPartnerMandanten sind die Kunden eines LogisticPartners, also zum Beispiel die Telekom als Danzas-Kunde.Furthermore, the user object should have a reference to the assigned LogisticPartner resp. Have LogisticPartnerMandant. LogisticPartners are, for example, the mail order company that operates the logistics system or other companies that are provided with access to components of the logistics system, including an occupancy of parcel compartments. LogisticPartner clients are the customers of a logistics partner, for example Telekom as a Danzas customer.

Je nach Rolle des Users enthält das Objekt eine Referenz auf einen LogisticPartner (ROLE_B2B_DELIVERY_AGENT) oder auf einen LogisticPartnerMandant (ROLE_B2B_RECIPIENT). Die jeweils andere Referenz bleibt leer (es dürfen niemals beide Referenzen gleichzeitig gesetzt sein, da eine Person entweder Zusteller oder Abholer ist, niemals beides).Depending on the role of the user, the object contains a reference to a LogisticPartner (ROLE_B2B_DELIVERY_AGENT) or to a LogisticPartnerMandant (ROLE_B2B_RECIPIENT). The other reference remains empty (both references must never be set at the same time, since a person is either a deliverer or a pickup, never both).

Das Objekt UserGroupEJB (ebenfalls ein EntityBean) erlaubt die Zusammenfassung mehrerer User zu einer Gruppe. Neben einer Liste von Usern hat die UserGroup eine Referenz auf den LogisticPartner resp. den LogisticPartnerMandanten, zu dem alle Mitglieder der Gruppe gehören. Die redundante Ablage der Referenz sowohl im User wie auch in der UserGroup vereinfacht den Zugriff auf Informationen im LogisticPartner(Mandant).The object UserGroupEJB (also an entity bean) allows the grouping of several users. In addition to a list of users, the UserGroup has a reference to the LogisticPartner resp. the LogisticPartner client to which all members of the group belong. The redundant storage of the reference both in the user and in the UserGroup simplifies access to information in the LogisticPartner (client).

Da an beide Typen (User und UserGroup) Pakete geschickt werden können, implementieren die beiden Objekte das Interface Addressable. Die Schnittstelle hat die Methoden getUsers(), getID() und getExpiryMinutes(). Damit ist gewährleistet, dass Pakete, die an ein Addressable geschickt werden, vom Server verarbeitet werden können.Since packets can be sent to both types (User and UserGroup), the two objects implement the interface Addressable. The interface has the methods getUsers (), getID (), and getExpiryMinutes (). This ensures that packets sent to an addressable can be processed by the server.

Die getUsers () Methode liefert eine Liste von User EJBs. Sofern es sich um eine UserGroup handelt, enthält diese Liste mehrere EJBs, handelt es sich um einen User, ist nur ein EJB enthalten.The getUsers () method returns a list of user EJBs. If it is a UserGroup, this list contains several EJBs, if it is a user, only one EJB is included.

Die getID() Methode gibt die ID des Users oder der UserGroup zurück. Da das Addressable persistent gespeichert werden können muss, ist durch diese ID das darunterliegende Objekt auffindbar. Daraus ergibt sich die Anforderung, die Ids für User und UserGroup aus einem Nummernkreis zu nehmen. Dazu gibt es in dem Objekt Post 24ServerProperties die Methode newUserID (). Diese liefert eine eindeutige, fortlaufende ID zurück. Intern greift diese Methode auf eine Datenbankanwendung, insbesondere eine Oracle-Sequence zu.The getID () method returns the ID of the user or UserGroup. Since the addressable has to be stored persistently, this ID can be used to find the underlying object. This results in the request to take the ids for User and UserGroup from a number range. To do this, in the Post 24ServerProperties object, there is the method newUserID (). This returns a unique, continuous ID. Internally, this method accesses a database application, especially an Oracle sequence.

Die Methode getExpiryMinutes() im Addressable wird benötigt, um das ExpiryDate des Paketes ermitteln zu können. Die erlaubte Verweilzeit eines Paketes im Automaten ist mandantenabhängig. Zur Berechnung des ExpiryDates greift die Methode getExpiryMinutes() in beiden Objekten User und UserGroup auf die Methode
LogisticPartnerMandant.getExpiryMinutes() zu und addiert diese erlaubte Verweilzeit zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt.The method getExpiryMinutes () in the addressable is needed to determine the expiry date of the package. The permitted dwell time of a parcel in the machine is client-dependent. To calculate the expiry date, the getExpiryMinutes () method accesses the method in both User and UserGroup objects
LogisticPartnerMandant.getExpiryMinutes () and adds this allowed dwell time at the current time.

User und UserGroup werden durch die Registrierung, beziehungsweise das Administrationstool, kreiert.User and UserGroup are created by the registration, respectively the administration tool.

Zur Verwaltung der Pakete gibt es das EntityBean Parcel. Die ParcelID wird vom Automaten vergeben und über die Schnittstelle dem Server beim notifyDelivery() mitgeteilt. Darauf kreiert die Automatenfassade ein neues Parcel Objekt mit der ParcelID als Primary Key.
Der recipient (übermittelt in Form einer Kundennummer) wird als Addressable hinterlegt. Zusätzlich zum recipient gibt es das Attribut substitute, ebenfalls vom Typ Addressable. Es kann nicht beim notifyDelivery(), sondern zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt durch Aufruf der Methode substituteBy (Addressable addressable) gesetzt werden. Durch dieses Attribut wird die Vertreterregelung abgebildet. Das Parcel Objekt bietet die Methoden getRecipients() und getSubstitutes(), die jeweils eine Liste von User Objekten zurückgeben.To manage the packages, there is the EntityBean Parcel. The ParcelID is assigned by the machine and communicated via the interface to the server at the notifyDelivery (). The machine facade creates a new parcel object with the ParcelID as the primary key.
The recipient (submitted in the form of a customer number) becomes deposited as an addressable. In addition to the recipient, there is the attribute substitute, also of the type Addressable. It can not be set at the notifyDelivery (), but at a later time by calling the method substituteBy (Addressable addressable). This attribute represents the substitute rule. The Parcel object provides the methods getRecipients () and getSubstitutes (), which each return a list of user objects.

Beim Erzeugen eines neuen Parcel Objektes, zum Beispiel durch die Automatenschnittstelle beim notifyDelivery (), wird das ExpiryDate mit dem oben erwähnten Verfahren berechnet und dem Parcel Objekt mitgeteilt. Somit.enthält die create-Methode das expiryDate. Jeder LogisticPartner kann dabei unterschiedliche Berechnungsregeln für das ExpiryDate haben.When creating a new Parcel object, for example through the machine interface at notifyDelivery (), the ExpiryDate is calculated using the method mentioned above and communicated to the Parcel object. Thus, the create method contains the expiryDate. Each LogisticPartner can have different calculation rules for the ExpiryDate.

Bei Nachnahmepaketen wird ein COD Objekt übergeben, Päckchen und Pakete ohne Nachnahme werden durch eine create-Methode ohne COD erzeugt. Bei Paketen wird in der create-Methode der IdentCode des Paketes übergeben.For COD parcels, a COD object is transferred, parcels and COD parcels are generated by a create method without COD. For packages, the identCode of the package is transferred in the create method.

Zusätzlich wird dem Parcel Objekt mitgeteilt, zu welchem LogisticPartner es gehört. Diese Information ist für die Kapazitätenplanung notwendig.In addition, the Parcel object is informed to which LogisticPartner it belongs. This information is necessary for capacity planning.

Die Historisierung geschieht datenbankseitig durch einen Trigger, der vor der Änderung eines Datensatzes den alten Datensatz in eine Archivtabelle überträgt. Die Methode getHistory() liefert eine Auflistung des Status aller Archiveinträge.The historization is done on the database side by a trigger, which transfers the old data record to an archive table before changing a data record. The getHistory () method returns a list of the status of all archive entries.

Die Automatenkonfiguration und das Kapazitätsmanagement werden vorzugsweise gleichfalls als modulare Bestandteile in das Logistiksystem integriert.The vending machine configuration and the capacity management are preferably also as modular components in the logistics system integrated.

Die Automaten des Post 24 Systems stellen eine feste Anzahl von Fächern unterschiedlicher Größe zur Aufbewahrung zur Verfügung. Die Fächer werden von unterschiedlichen Logistikunternehmen genutzt. Da die Aufteilung der Automatenfächer auf die Logistikunternehmen sowohl für das Pakethandling als auch zur Kostenberechnung bekannt sein sollte, werden Automatenkonfigurationen in einer EJB DeliveryMachine verwaltet. Die EJB erlaubt das Setzen und Erfragen der Fachkonfiguration jedes Automaten sowie die Berechnung der aktuellen und zukünftigen Auslastung mit Paketen.The machines of the Post 24 system provide a fixed number of compartments of different sizes for storage. The subjects are used by different logistics companies. Since the distribution of slots to logistics companies should be known for both package handling and costing, machine configurations are managed in an EJB DeliveryMachine. The EJB allows the setting and requesting of the compartment configuration of each machine as well as the calculation of the current and future capacity utilization with packages.

Die aktuelle Fachkonfiguration, das heißt, die Anzahl der von einem Logistikpartner gemieteten Fächer sortiert nach Fachgröße, wird durch zwei EJBs BoxTypeAssignment und BoxType repräsentiert. Die DeliveryMachine ordnet jedem Logistikpartner eine Menge von BoxTypeAssignment EJBs zu, und zwar für jede gemietete Fachgröße eine. Jede BoxTypeAssignment speichert Typ und Anzahl der gemieteten Fächer. Die Fachgröße wird dabei in einer eigenen EJB mit Namen BoxType abgelegt.The current subject configuration, that is, the number of subjects rented by a logistics partner, sorted by subject size, is represented by two EJBs, BoxTypeAssignment and BoxType. The DeliveryMachine allocates a lot of BoxTypeAssignment EJBs to each logistics partner, one for each leased size. Each BoxTypeAssignment stores type and number of hired subjects. The compartment size is stored in a separate EJB named BoxType.

Aufgrund des modularen Aufbaus sowohl der eingesetzten Paketfachanlage als auch des Logistiksystems können weitere Komponenten zu einem beliebigen Zeitpunkt integriert werden. Beispielsweise ist es möglich, weitere Komponenten für Auswertefunktionen bereitzustellen. Beispiele für eine derartige Datenauswertefunktionalität sind Auswertungen der Paket- und Kundendaten für statistische Zwecke.Due to the modular structure of both the parcel compartment system used and the logistics system, additional components can be integrated at any time. For example, it is possible to provide further components for evaluation functions. Examples of such a data evaluation functionality are evaluations of the package and customer data for statistical purposes.

Eine Protokollierung (Logging) ist insbesondere zur Überprüfung der Funktionsfähigkeit zweckmäßig.A logging is in particular for Verification of functionality expedient.

Zum Logging von aufgetretenen Fehlern werden die durch den Application Server bereitgestellten Logging-Klassen genutzt. Diese werden zur besseren Nutzbarkeit gekapselt.For logging errors that have occurred, the logging classes provided by the application server are used. These are encapsulated for better usability.

Die Klasse de.Post 24.util.P24Log stellt eine statische Logging-Methode bereit:
public static void log (int severity,
java.lang.String system,
java.lang.String msg,
java.lang.Throwable t)
Hierbei bedeutet : severity Schwere des Fehlers. Es werden vier Fehlerklassen unterschieden, die über Konstanten innerhalb der P24Log-Klasse aufgerufen werden können:
P24Log.debug, P24Log.info, P24Log.warning, P24Log.error system Name des Teilsystems msg zu speichernder Fehlertext t Exception The class de.Post 24.util.P24Log provides a static logging method:
public static void log (int severity,
java.lang.String system,
java.lang.String msg,
java.lang.Throwable t)
Where: severity Severity of the error. There are four error classes that can be called via constants within the P24Log class:
P24Log.debug, P24Log.info, P24Log.warning, P24Log.error system Name of the subsystem msg error text to be stored t exception

Einfachere "abgespeckte" Versionen dieser Methode sind gleichfalls möglich, vorzugsweise durch eine Ersetzung von bestimmten Parametern durch vordefinierte Werte, beispielsweise: severity P24Log.debug system Post 24 t entfällt Simpler "stripped-down" versions of this method are also possible, preferably by replacing certain parameters with predefined values, for example: severity P24Log.debug system Post 24 t deleted

Mit Hilfe der dargestellten Verfahrensweisen ist eine Anpassung der Konfigurations-Parameter schnell und zuverlässig möglich.With the aid of the illustrated procedures, an adaptation of the configuration parameters is possible quickly and reliably.

Der Fachmann kann die bei der Darstellung verwendeten Ausführungsbeispiele durch Ersetzung von Funktionalitäten anderer Programmiersprachen und Programmfunktionen ersetzen.The skilled person can replace the embodiments used in the representation by replacing functionalities of other programming languages and program functions.

Auch ist es möglich, bei der bevorzugten Programmiersprache java andere als die genannten Funktionalitäten einzusetzen.It is also possible to use java other than the functionalities mentioned in the preferred programming language.

Insbesondere ist es für den Fachmann zweckmäßig, die aus den weiteren Dokumenten
http://java.sun.com/docs/codeconv/
Java Coding Conventions
bekannten Verfahrensschritte zur Implementation weiterer Funktionen und zur Abwandlung und Fortbildung der eingesetzten Funktionen einzusetzen.In particular, it is expedient for those skilled in the art, from the other documents
http://java.sun.com/docs/codeconv/
Java Coding Conventions
to use known method steps for the implementation of additional functions and for the modification and training of the functions used.

Claims (3)

  1. An electronic parcel box system with a plurality of electronic parcel boxes, whereby in each case, several parcel boxes are associated with an operating unit, characterized in that a central control unit is provided for controlling the operating units, whereby the central control unit has a means for flexibly associating the parcel boxes with the operating units.
  2. The electronic parcel box system according to Claim 1, characterized in that, if an operating unit malfunctions, parcel boxes that had been associated with this operating unit until are then associated with another operating unit.
  3. A logistic system, characterized in that it contains several electronic parcel box systems networked with each other according to one or both of Claims 1 and 2 and also containing a central database server, whereby the database server has means for storing and/or transmitting data about the filling status of the parcel box systems, and in that a centrally operated delivery of postal parcels to the individual electronic parcel box systems is carried out as a function of the filling status of the individual electronic parcel box systems.
EP02781121A 2001-10-09 2002-10-07 Packet box electronic device and logistic system Expired - Lifetime EP1438641B1 (en)

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DE10149637A DE10149637A1 (en) 2001-10-09 2001-10-09 Electronic parcel compartment system and logistics system
DE10149637 2001-10-09
PCT/DE2002/003761 WO2003034162A2 (en) 2001-10-09 2002-10-07 Packet box electronic device and logistic system

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